The Little Song Party

Soprano and piano duo the Little Song Party present an intimate recital of domestic music that explores the ‘head vs heart’ love story of Jane Austen and music. Penelope and Jonathan investigate the role of music in Jane’s life and writing, feature some of the lesser known musical habits of the Georgian lady (!) and present a ground-breaking commission from composer Donna Mckevitt. Music will include some of Jane’s favourite pieces, songs from the family collection that she played and sang, music by the only composer named in her novels, fashionable music she heard in concert, and music from TV/film adaptations. Delivered imaginatively in period dress with narration, extracts from her works and letters, and a few laughs along the way, this thoroughly researched programme has something for all fans of music, history and literature!

“Blessed with a voice of pristine clarity”, Penelope Appleyard has performed both as a soloist and ensemble singer in recital, concert and early opera at prestigious venues internationally, and has worked with numerous groups including The Monteverdi Choir, The New London Consort, The Taverner Consort, AAM and OAE. She is one fifth of acclaimed quintet Apollo5, with whom she has a busy international schedule. Passionate about historical chamber music she co-founded soprano duo Fair Oriana (with whom she has released album ‘Two Voices’ and appeared at festivals including at Konzerthaus Wien and The Three Choirs Festival among others) and most recently, The Little Song Party. She enjoys researching and devising entertaining programmes to bring historic music to new audiences, so has loved delving into the musical world of Austen, and was recently invited to sing at the Global Jane Austen Conference at Southampton University. In 2018 Penelope recorded ‘Handel’s ‘Neun Deutsche Arien,’ to critical acclaim. When not performing she teaches singing and flute from home and internationally online. Penelope graduated with Distinction from The Birmingham Conservatoire, and was awarded Honorary Membership in 2019.

Jonathan Delbridge is a versatile musician well known for his exciting and varied concert programmes on both piano and organ, now including his beautifully restored Broadwood Square Piano (1814). He has performed at a wide range of venues from the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall to his own village Church in Somerset, being a champion for professional music making in the local areas of his rural home county. Jonathan has a special interest in English piano music and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the National College of Music for his thesis entitled ‘A Study of the Piano Music of George Frederick Pinto’ and as a result has been styled “one of the greatest experts on this composer alive today”. He has recently produced a disc entitled ‘The Story of the Square Piano’, featuring music that explores the history and prominence of these instruments. As an organist he has made regular broadcasts for the BBC form Truro Cathedral and performed with virtuoso Carlo Curley. Jonathan is in particular demand as an accompanist, having worked with leading professional soloists including internationally renowned trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins, bass-baritone Stephen Varcoe, bass Arwel Huw Morgan and clarinettist/saxophonist David White. In August 2024 Jonathan launched the South Somerset Music Centre, a dedicated concert space and home to his extensive music teaching practice, where he organises a programme of concerts, workshops, masterclasses and other events.